A long-time skier himself, Murphy watched his two boys learn to ski on Antoine.

“This is going to open up a whole new universe of stuff to do here in the wintertime.

“It’s going to add that quality of life aspect that people who are looking to start a business are looking for.”

For Mattawa Mayor Dean Backer the announcement fills a huge void in the community.

“I know personally that our council has worked extremely hard with a goal to see Antoine Mountain re-open, We are so thankful to the owners, (MP) Jay Aspin, (MPP) Vic Fedeli and the local municipalities for always believing that Antoine Mountain would re-open bigger and better.”

Bonfield Mayor Randy McLaren agrees.

“This is the first time in a long time that I am looking forward to winter’s arrival. Antoine Mountain will compliment winter programming at the Canadian Ecology Centre and is a positive for the entire region.”

You may have noticed one small change…the name is now Antoine Mountain.